A 3-Minute Prescription for Living by Bernie Siegel, M.D.

From the book, Prescription for Living

We get upset when bacteria become resistant to antibiotics, but did you ever stop to think that the bacteria are really wonderful role models for us to follow and take heart from? What enables the bacteria to survive? If you study them you realize many gene systems have to be altered in order to live in the presence of the antibiotic. The number of changes in their genes and DNA cannot be and are not simply a matter of luck or a chance mutation. They happen too great in number for it to be a lucky accident. There is obviously an inner intelligence in us and in the bacteria that responds in times of danger or threat to our existence. Scientists will tell you that in stable, unthreatening times DNA does a remarkable job of reproducing itself without error. While in times of threat or danger it makes changes that leads to our survival. I think this may well explain what we call spontaneous remissions. Quantum physicists tell us that desire and intention alter matter. Perhaps that is the key and why it is easier for bacteria to do this than man.

Bacteria don't have jobs, marriages, bills, families, schedules, and so forth, so they enjoy the moment and want to continue living. It is a good thing for us they do because they perform many vital functions within us and in nature that are important to our survival. If your body learns that you truly enjoy living, what changes will it make to help you survive? The people I see who exceed our expectations of survival have the desire, intention, and determination to live. They know what life requires of them and they are here to give, not get. Psychiatrist George Soloman uses a list of questions to determine an immune-competent personality. They include things like the ability to express appropriate and healthy anger, the ability to ask for help when you need it, and the ability to play and say no to things.

I also have three simple questions I have added. I ask, "What do you want for dinner? I'm treating. How would you introduce yourself to God? What would you hold up to show the world how beautiful and meaningful life is?" If you answer within five seconds about dinner without concern over fat content or cost I know you are in touch with your feelings. If you don't need an introduction to God and would hold up a mirror or picture of yourself I know you are a survivor who has learned from adversity, loss, or great parents. In closing, I might add this is not about guilt, shame, and blame. Do not do these things to avoid dying. It doesn't work, and in heaven you will be in therapy to deal with your anger over all the things you did and time you spent trying not to die that didn't work. This is about achieving a quality of life and love that alters you and your body as a side effect and provides you with a longer life because of the ensuing changes. Don't give up your life for the life others impose upon you. Live your life and don't wait for a life-threatening illness to get you to wake up. Let your body feel your joy and life and desire and intention to live.

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